Lehi has had a vision within a dream. He saw a tree filled with beautiful fruit, and upon eating it, was filled with such joy and delight, he wanted to share it with his family. The righteous members of the family joined him and ate, while the wicked ignored him.
19. And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
I love this chapter and its marvelous allegory. The rod isn’t made of wood or other substance that might rot away, but it’s made out of iron, which will last. It’s not too high to reach, but it’s right at waist level, where all can grasp it, and it leads directly to the tree without any wavering.
20. And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.
We’re given a path to walk along that is straight, with no twists and turns. The rod is there to hold onto and to make our way comfortable. It’s impossible to get lost if your feet are on the path and you are holding on to the rod.
21. And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.
How often do we hear of someone’s search to find themselves? When they undertake this task without the light of the Gospel, they usually seek out new hobbies, try new clothes and hairstyles, and often leave their homes for a time to go out and explore. Everyone has within them a seed that needs to be watered, and when they start feeling that dehydration, they wonder how they will ever fill that need. The people in the vision were looking for the tree, stumbling around, trying to find the things that were eluding them.
22. And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.
They’ve found the way to the tree, and they’re making their way forward. They recognize that religion—true religion, not merely preached but lived, is the answer.
23. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.
Again, a marvelous allegory. How often do we get led off the path when the mists arise? We lose our focus for one tiny minute, and before we know it, we are swept off the path and don’t know where we are.
24. And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
I love how it says, “clinging to the rod of iron.” Notice it doesn’t say “touching” or “holding” – they were clinging. We cling to things that we’re desperate not to lose. That rod was so important to these people that they clung to it for fear that they would lose it.
25. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.
This is such a sad verse. These people have worked hard to get to the tree. They fought their way through the mist and they are so close to enjoying the reward for their diligence, but they were worried about how they looked to others.
I’ll continue with Lehi’s dream tomorrow. In the meantime, check out these related blogs:
That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be With Us